U.S. Senate Approves Bill for Preventing a Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA9) -- The U.S. Senate today approved the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act by a vote of 73 to 26, according to a press release by the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations.

This bill is a step towards averting a government shutdown as it funds the government through September 30, 2013, which is the end of the fiscal year.

"I am so proud the Senate bill protects national security while meeting compelling human needs. It makes investments in human infrastructure like early childhood education. And it creates jobs today and jobs tomorrow by supporting research and innovation. I thank my Vice Chairman, Senator Shelby, for his support and hard work. I look forward to swift action in the House so we can focus on passing a budget, ending sequestration, and getting back to regular order." said Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.)

"The original House CR contained two full bills, for Defense and for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. The Senate bill expands on the House bill, adding three domestic bills, including: Agriculture; Commerce, Justice, Science; and Homeland Security. In addition, the Senate added a number of critical provisions, to enable the government to meet its mission-critical obligations. The bill now returns to the House for its consideration," according to the press release.